Page 69 of Storms of His Wrath

“All you need?” the woman said incredulously. “Do you know how powerful even the tiniest element of annin-eellithiis?”

“Yes,” Naya said bluntly. “A sliver attached itself to me when I created a portal back to my world. It almost killed me.”

The woman narrowed her eyes. “And what happened?”

“I dragged it to the containment area for wild magic in my land.” She held the woman’s gaze, refusing to look away until she did. It took only a moment.

The chamber went quiet, attention shifting back to the matter at hand with sharp focus.

“The Nnin-kka Sands already contain magical conduits,” the woman with straight black hair said. “If we bind thennin-eellithito the existing magical framework rather than trying to create something new...”

“Exactly. And the ‘blood’ or the actual sliver I’d use of thennin-eellithiwouldn’t be forcing the magic into containment—” Naya looked around the circle, seeing understanding form on several faces. “—rather we’d be putting it back in its home.”

Yshara leaned forward, her expression thoughtful. “That... actually has precedent. During the height of the Tri-Dynasty, magical anchoring was done through existing conduits rather than creating new ones.”

“But the scale,” said another assembly member, a woman with graying temples. “You’re talking about binding every piece of wild magic in the region to a network of Sand Pits that were never designed for such massive influx. The magical pressure could overwhelm the entire system.”

“Or it could stabilize it,” Oshrun said quietly. “The Sand Pits have been deteriorating for decades because they lack sufficient magical energy to maintain themselves. A massive influx might restore them to their original capacity.”

Naya looked between them, trying to keep up with what they were saying. Clearly there was so much more about this world than she knew about.

Ttela’s weathered hands gripped her chair’s armrests as she studied Naya. “You’re gambling that the existing infrastructure can handle the load. If you’re wrong, if the Sand Pits shatter under the pressure, you’ll have drawn together more concentrated wild magic than has existed since the first wave.”

“And if we do nothing,” Naya said, meeting the elder’s gaze directly, “the storm will strike Onn Kkulma and destroy everything anyway. At least this gives us a chance.”

“A chance built on trusting an Alpha to perform a custom designed to enslave Omegas,” said the woman with the tattoos, her face crumpled in astonishment. “How do we know King Sy won’t simply bind you again, instead of the magic? How do we know this isn’t an elaborate trap to kill us all now that he knows where we are?

The accusation hung in the air like poison. Several Assembly members shifted uncomfortably, the question clearly one they’d all been thinking but hadn’t dared voice.

“Because at his heart he wants to help allssukkurian—not just the dynasties or the soges or a subsection of Tsashokra society. He wants allssukkuriansto thrive, and to be proud of their achievements. That’s all he’s ever wanted. And that includes Omegas.” Naya paused, then spoke with quiet conviction. “I’ve seen who he really is behind the title of king. He is cruel and passionate and selfish, yes. But he is the man who tends to the scar he gave me each night, who ensures I eat when I forget, who looks at me like...” She couldn’t find the words to explain the hunger in his dark eyes, the way his presence made heat bloom low in her belly.

“Sentiment,” Ttela said dismissively. “Alphas are skilled at making Omegas believe they care when it serves their purposes.”

“Then judge him by his actions,” Naya replied firmly. “He agreed to all your terms without hesitation.” She looked around the room. “He said you deserve more than what you’re asking for. He could have insisted on conditions regarding your magical abilities, but he’s accepted that some knowledge remains yours alone. If he wanted to target all Omegas, he would not put me in the most dangerous position to do so. And, if he had really wanted to subjugate Omegas, he never would have stayed in the Sands obeying your rules. He is the Alpha King of Tsashokra and yet he has shown you respect.”

Silence stretched through the chamber as the assembly members absorbed her words. Naya met the gazes of them all. She’d believed every word she said. Finally, Oshrun rose from her carved seat, her eyes reflecting the golden light streaming from above.

“The decision is mine to make,” she said, her voice clear and strong with the authority of generations of leadership. She looked around the circle, meeting each assembly member’s gaze before settling on Naya.

“We will support your plan,” Oshrun said. “Not because it’s safe—it isn’t. Not because it’s certain—nothing about this is certain. But because Princess Naya is correct. King Sy killed the rest of the Sy line because of their atrocities. Since then, nothing he has done suggests he is systematically targeting Omegas.” She looked around the space again. “This decision is made with the knowledge that thennin-eellithiis growing stronger, more unpredictable. We cannot hide forever, and staying isolated will lead to a slow death for us and for our children.”

A few assembly members shifted uncomfortably, but none spoke against the Khesh’s decision.

“More than that,” Oshrun continued, “this alliance represents something we’ve never had before—the chance to emerge from hiding not as helpless refugees, but as partners and equals, to contribute our knowledge and abilities to the region’s welfare instead of simply surviving in isolation.”

She turned back to Naya. “I will not commit my people to this course without a solid plan. We know the Nnin-kka Sands better than anyone and can examine the best way to do this.” She cast a pointed look at the blonde-haired woman, then stated, “As a visitor to this land, we do not expect you to know the ins and outs of our magical infrastructure.”

Naya nodded, grateful to her.

“However, I will also not commit to this without meeting King Sy face to face. If we are to trust him to perform a custom that could save or destroy us all, I need to judge his character myself.”

“I’ll arrange the meeting,” Naya said, understanding flooding through her. “When?”

“Immediately. If we only have three days, there’s no time for careful diplomacy. Send word to King Sy. Tell him the Khesh of the Omegas requests an immediate council.”

Naya rose from the stone bench, purpose flooding through her as the assembly began to disperse. Some members lingered to speak with Oshrun in hushed tones, but most filed out quickly, understanding that preparations would need to begin immediately.

“Princess,” Oshrun called after her, and Naya headed toward her. The Khesh’s expression was serious, burdened with the magnitude of what they’d just committed to. “Tell King Sy that this meeting will determine not just whether we proceed with the plan, but whether our people can truly trust each other and move forward and bridge a new alliance.”

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